Animal feed is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of the agricultural supply chain.
For grain producers, feed manufacturers, livestock producers and consumers, feed serves as an essential link between crop and food production. It transforms grain and other agricultural commodities into the meat, milk, eggs and other animal products that families rely on every day.
Importantly, animal feed extends far beyond livestock nutrition. Feed is foundational to food security, supply chain resilience and agricultural competitiveness. Animal feed represents one of the largest and most consistent markets for U.S. grain production, utilizing millions of bushels of corn, wheat, sorghum, barley and other feed ingredients each year. The strength of the feed sector directly impacts grain demand, livestock production, value-added processing and rural economies across the country.
A strong and safe animal feed system supports animal health and productivity while helping prevent food safety risks from entering the food supply. Through a combination of science-based regulation, industry stewardship and continuous oversight, the feed sector helps maintain consumer confidence in the safety and reliability of the food system.
These benefits matter throughout the agricultural value chain.
The grain and feed industries are deeply interconnected: Feed is one of the largest and most consistent markets for grain production. Every day, grain elevators, feed manufacturers, processors and livestock operations work together in an integrated supply chain that moves commodities efficiently and reliably.
When feed systems function effectively, the benefits extend across the agricultural economy. Livestock producers gain access to safe, nutritious feed. Grain producers benefit from strong market demand. Consumers benefit from a stable and affordable food supply.
Recent events have reinforced the importance of maintaining resilient feed systems.
The ongoing animal health and biosecurity challenges from highly pathogenic avian influenza and New World screwworm (NWS) serve as timely reminders that food security begins long before products reach grocery store shelves. Protecting animal health requires attention to every stage of the production process, including the sourcing, manufacturing and movement of feed ingredients.
Feed is often one of the first lines of defense in supporting animal health and minimizing risk across livestock production systems. As governments and industry respond to emerging threats, maintaining robust feed safety programs becomes increasingly important.
At the same time, the feed industry must continue to innovate.
New feed ingredients and technologies offer opportunities to improve animal health, increase production efficiency, enhance sustainability outcomes and strengthen food safety. However, innovation requires regulatory systems capable of efficiently evaluating new technologies while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
This is why efforts to modernize animal feed regulations deserve attention.
The Innovative FEED Act (S. 1906 or H.R. 2203) is designed to streamline the regulatory pathway for non-nutritive animal food ingredients that can deliver important production, health and conservation benefits. Bipartisan supporters of the legislation argue that modernizing the approval process could reduce unnecessary delays while preserving strong food safety protections. Similar systems are already in place in other major agricultural economies, including Australia, Europe and Japan.
As policymakers consider agricultural policy, animal feed must remain a central part of the discussion.
Feed is not simply another agricultural input. It is a strategic component of the food supply chain that supports animal health, food safety, market confidence and agricultural productivity. Policies that strengthen feed safety systems while enabling responsible innovation will help ensure the long-term competitiveness of both the grain and livestock sectors.
The challenges facing agriculture today highlight the need for resilient supply chains and practical solutions. Animal feed sits at the center of both. Its role in connecting grain production to food production makes it one of the most important contributors to a safe, efficient and secure food system. It is why “Feed” is in our name.
Dr. Berit Foss is NGFA’s Vice President, Feed and Sustainability.